The Office of the Executive Director was established by the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment (Township Leasing) Act 2007 and came into effect on 1 July 2007. Under the Act the Executive Director is a statutory office holder and is appointed by the Governor-General for a period not exceeding five years. The functions of the Executive Director are to: enter into Township Leases on behalf of the Commonwealth administer Township Leases, including administering subleases, and manage other rights and interests derived from Township Leases.